Spencer wants Kings mindset change

[caption id="attachment_40931" align="alignright" width="300"] ON THE CHARGE: New EP Kings scrumhalf Tobie Botes in action during a friendly encounter. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]

EP KINGS head coach Carlos Spencer wants his team to return to training on Monday with a "bit of a mindset change" after he gave them this week off to recharge their batteries.

"We are going to have a week off and come back with a bit of a mindset change. Now we are looking forward to the business end of the year," he said.

While the players enjoy a break, Spencer and his coaching staff will be mulling over who will make the EP starting lineup for their opening Currie Cup Premier Division match against Western Province.

Spencer said certain players were putting pressure on the coaches for berths in the squad to face Western Province at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 8.

Former Italian test scrumhalf Tobie Botes, who made his debut for the Kings against a Sharks 15, has highlighted the battle for spots in the team.

"Nobody is guaranteed a berth in the starting lineup, so you have to stay on your toes and work hard to get a starting spot," he said.

Botes paired up with new flyhalf Gary van Aswegen against the Sharks and both players had successful debuts.

Spencer has also made it clear that nobody is guaranteed a berth in the starting lineup to face WP.

"I have told the players that no place is certain and everyone has a chance and opportunity to make the starting lineup come Currie Cup time," he said.

The Kings coaches have been keeping a close watch on how players react to pressure in the warm-ups and who has the ability to take the team forward when the heat is on.

"Guys are now realising there is limited time and they are pushing for spots in the starting lineup against Western Province in three weeks. They are putting pressure on us coaches which is good," Spencer said.

He and his fellow coaches – Shaun Sowerby (forwards) and Michael Horak (defence) – are facing tough choices in several positions.

"We have not spoken about making the group smaller. We might look at keeping the group that we have got and maybe just naming a training group from week to week.

"We still have injuries and guys in rehab and the thing is we want 15 against 15 in training. The Kings have a good group of numbers now."

Looking ahead to the friendly against the Cheetahs on August 1, Spencer said it offered players another chance to shine.

"The Cheetahs game will be another chance for guys to put up their hand. There are still a couple guys that need game time. Look at someone like Paul Perez who just came back from injury. He played about 20 to 25 minutes against the Eagles and made some good breaks, but in terms of match fitness he is still raw. Paul is going to need game time," he said.

Perez marked his return to top-flight rugby with two tries against the SWD Eagles as the Kings romped to a 78-32 win.

In their other warm-up games the Kings have scored a 66-28 victory over a Bulls and won 50-24 against a Sharks 15 at the Bay Stadium. In their first game under Spencer the Kings lost 34-12 against Wales in an international friendly. - George Byron